Paper HP on the Edge of innovation

Print giant HP has revealed its latest innovation, as it introduces the latest feature of its SmartStream Designer variable data printing tool Edge Printing Technology, allowing users to print images onto the front or side of a book.

HP’s new Edge Printing technology allows images to be printed directly onto the front or side edges of books

The new technology takes the image and divides it into ‘slices’ based on the number of pages, then prints the slices in succession onto the page edges, as well as having the ability to print continuous images onto book spines.

Workflow solutions manager at HP Indigo, Gershon Alon, explains: “At HP Indigo, we are always looking to reinvent the possibilities of print, making sure that our customers can deliver products that go above and beyond expectations. The new Edge Printing feature of SmartStream Designer is a perfect example of this.
 

As a longstanding HP customer, we were extremely keen to try out their latest offering”

“We have already been able to complete the first customer order for products created with HP Edge Printing, and have seen a lot of interest in the new applications that are being made possible. We look forward to seeing many more customers enjoy the new creative freedom that this technology provides.”

The upgrade to HP SmartStream Designer boasts a number of other new features, including a newer version of its Mosaic plug-in, allowing users to create original pattern-based designs, as used by brands such as Diet Coke.

The first customer to trial Edge Printing was Spanish book printing firm Tórculo Comunicación Gráfica, which looked at the personalisation possibilities it can provide. Chief executive officer Jacobo Bermejo comments: “As a longstanding HP customer, we were extremely keen to try out their latest offering.

“The fact that HP is constantly innovating and creating new possibilities in print is one of the reasons that we are able to remain at the forefront of our industry, providing our customers with new, cutting-edge products.”

Source: Printmonthly